What a difference a series makes. 

The series?  The Lucas Oil CORR (Championship Off  Road Racing) Series.

I spent two days in New Berlin, New York this past weekend and was reminded what it was like to just enjoy.  Just enjoy the weather, the smells, the sounds, the sights and the food.  Enjoy the people, the fans and the drivers.

Don't get me wrong, I had carte blanche like the Freaks do damn near at any sports event.  But this was different.

I was 'escorting' our Lucas Oil Trippin' With A Freak winner and his 11 year old daughter at the races.  I saw things with those two that reminded me a of a dad and his kid at some drag races 30 years ago.  Or, a mom, her kid and her kid's buddy as they reluctantly clamored for a Knievel autograph in 1973. 

You know, love, embarrassment, shyness, laughter, messy face and holding hands.  That was me too.

It was a weekend of virginity and indulgence.  Both were a good thing.

Drivers sawing off pieces of their panels to give to kids.  Announcers giving props to the fans in the stands.  Fans giving props to people giving them props.

You see what I mean?  Just a damn good time.  And no alcohol to be seen.  That was for later.  Red Bull was the drink of choice this afternoon.

The area around the track lent itself to all these descriptions of racing paradise.  Green from hill to rolling hill.  Clearing sky that any artist would admit he couldn't get right on any canvas.  And blue collar people everywhere I looked.  People just like you, me and the guy next to you.

I suggest each of you save your scratch and book some time to see a Lucas Oil CORR Race.  Yes, Crandon is the grand daddy but New Berlin and the Unadilla track will hold a special place in my mind.  Those two short days will forever be a part of any story I can remember to tell about our racing family.

…and how can I forget, I had the best god**** Italian food I have had on this earth thanks to Frankie and Betsy's Sicilian flava.

The Lucas Oil CORR series rules!